Day three of preliminary hearing for Epic co-founders
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Epic Charter School co-founders Ben Harris and David Chaney continue their time in district court this week. Wednesday was day three in the preliminary hearing.
In court, deposits and transactions from the bank were shown along with investigative auditor, Salesha Wilken, who took the witness stand.
Preliminary hearing starts for Epic co-founders
Wilken identified between 2014 and 2021, there were 52 transfers from the Epic Youth Services learning fund to the operating account that was initially used to pay Harris and Chaney.
Wilken said the 52 transfers raised concern.
Bank statements shown in court revealed $3.2 million went from the student learning fund to the account that payed Harris and Chaney.
Wilken said after the state first started their audit a few years ago, $3.5 million was put back into the learning fund, which she said was all moved from the operating account.
More bank deposits and transactions were shown in the courtroom revealing transactions between the learning fund and an account for Next Generation Education, also known as “Epic California”
Court documents: OK AG concerned Epic co-founders still have access to taxpayer dollars
In cross-examination, lawyers on the defense spent most of the afternoon questioning Wilken’s education in finance and accounting along with her role as an investigative auditor in the epic case.
That’s when she revealed there will be a part two version of the Epic Charter Schools audit released soon highlighting more details in their investigation.
Throughout the day, Wilken said the transfer of funds were concerning because “the funds were for Oklahoma students.”
Epic Charter Schools founders face new charges
Thursday is day 4 of the preliminary hearing. Epic Charter Schools Chief Financial Officer Josh Brock is being tried separately.
News 4 was told Brock will take the witness stand Thursday in court.
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